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ALABAMA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CLEAN WATER ACT VIOLATION
Release Date: 02/10/2000
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FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2000
ALABAMA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO
CLEAN WATER ACT VIOLATION
CLEAN WATER ACT VIOLATION
Joseph Magazzu of Mobile, Ala., pleaded guilty on Feb. 2, in U.S. District Court in Biloxi, Miss., to violating the Clean Water Act (CWA). Magazzu was the former environmental coordinator for Morton International’s Moss Point, Miss., plant which produces synthetic rubber, sealants, adhesives, plasticizers and rocket polymers. The plant has a CWA permit to discharge treated industrial and sanitary waste water into the Escatawpa River. Magazzu admitted that in July 1995 he falsely reported the amount of fecal coliform bacteria in the wastewater, which was 31 times the amount allowed under the permit. High levels of fecal coliform bacteria in surface waters can cause a variety of infections in people who are exposed and can harm birds, aquatic life and wildlife who come into contact with the water. When sentenced, Magazzu faces up to two years in prison and or a fine up to $250,000. The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by the Environmental Crimes Section of the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi.
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